For singers looking to compete for fame and fortune there are a number of options.

You’ve got American Idol. That’s a biggie. Then you’ve got gigs like the Northern Idol, Hometown Idol, Teen Idol and the Cherry Idol in Traverse City, not to be confused with the Cherry Idol in England (for serious soccer players). So, while there are competitions at the national and local level, not until now has there been something for singers at the state level.

Macomb Music Theatre in Mount Clemens is inviting singers to audition for the Michigan Idol Competition at 6:30 p.m., July 23 and 24. Those chosen as finalists will go on to perform at the Music by the Bay event in New Baltimore, where a champion will be crowned.

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“We have a lot of great talent in this area,” said Blair Cremeens, managing director for the recently renovated Macomb Music Theatre venue formerly known as the Emerald Theater. A longtime member of the music industry, Cremeens attended American Idol’s auditions in Detroit and was impressed with the operation, along with the pool of talent from Michigan. Yet, why wasn’t there anything for these singers at the state level? Now the whole gamut is represented.

In addition, this competition features several age divisions. Everyone from the little tyke who can walk and sing (accompanied by a parent or guardian) to the middle-aged rock star with a fan base but no record contract and grandpa’s a cappella group, are invited to apply.

“We also have a small division for groups of three or more,” Cremeens said. That’s vocals only, not bands.

Singers who wish to audition are encouraged to visit macombmusictheatre.com and look for the link to americanglee.com to apply. Contestants can email their Mp3 background track to blair@macombmusictheatre.com for casting or bring it with them to the event. Those who enter the competition online are guaranteed an audition. Participants who show up at the door the night of the event will be considered on a first-come first-serve basis. “The auditions happen here,” Cremeens said, proudly. “This theatre was built (1921) by the same architect (C. Howard Crane) who built Detroit’s Fox Theatre and Orchestra Hall. It was designed specifically for singing and live theater. The acoustics are – well – when you sing in here it’s going to sound like no other place.” Those who compete in the free auditions have two chances to reach the next level (which then requires a $20 registration). One is a call back to sing again and the other is a gold ticket to go right on to the finals at Music on the Bay. Also free is one guest per entrant. Singers can invite more people but admission for each additional guest is $5.

“I’m really excited and honored to be a part of it,” said Aria Cremeens, 19, and one of the vocalists competing. “I’ve always loved to sing but I’ve been taking it seriously for the past 10 years. And this is a serious competition. We’re talking the best of the best from all of Michigan, the counties, cities and towns. It’s going to be cool and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Macomb Music Theatre is at 31 North Walnut, Mount Clemens. For more information, email blair@macombmusictheatre.com or call 810-434-4484.

About the Author

Gina Joseph is a multimedia journalist and columnist for The Macomb Daily. Reach the author at gina.joseph@macombdaily.com Follow @ginaljoseph on Twitter or visit her beat blog macomblife.blogspot.com Reach the author at gina.joseph@macombdaily.com
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